An op-ed, short for “opposite the editorial page”, is a written prose piece, which expresses the opinion of an author usually not affiliated with the publication’s editorial board.
A pair of Jerry Mainil Ltd. dozers working near Torquay during the summer of 2024. Photo by Brian Zinchuk
By Darcy McCormick
CEO, Jerry Mainil Ltd., Weyburn
The development of a major wind project within The Rural Municipality of Weyburn, and the Rural Municipality of Griffin and within minutes of the City of Weyburn presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen our local economy, create jobs, and generate long-term financial benefits. While there has been a small but loud amount of pushback from a few people within the community regarding concerns around health and wildlife, we recognize that these are important discussions best addressed by experts who have thoroughly reviewed the data.
What we do know, and what we can speak to, is the significant economic benefit this project will bring. From job creation during construction and long-term operations to increased tax revenue that can be reinvested in infrastructure, schools, and local services, this project will provide a lasting positive impact. Landowners will also receive lease payments, and businesses in the area will benefit from increased activity, further stimulating our local economy.
By focusing on the bigger picture, we can ensure a strong and sustainable future for our community. This wind project isn’t just about clean energy—it’s about economic opportunity and prosperity for generations to come. We often hear how some things within our community need to be repaired, replaced, or improved and this is an opportunity to work with a potential partner that will bring lots of economic benefit to our entire area. When we have aging equipment and infrastructure and the costs to repair, replace, or improve is consistently and rapidly going up, as just and in the past 5 years we have seen prices more than double, then the option to our local RMs and the City of Weyburn without a major project and the benefits that projects like this can bring to our community are extremely limited. We know that our local RMs and City are constantly working to manage and balance their (our) costs, however when we see prices rising like they have, we know that their most likely only option is to increase taxes which none of us really want to see or hear, but it could and will be a reality if we do not wish to work with the major companies that are looking to invest and build in our communities.
Given the economic benefits that a project such as the Enbridge Seven Stars 200-Megawatt Wind Energy Project will bring to our community, Jerry Mainil Limited has submitted a letter to the RM of Weyburn, RM of Griffin and the City of Weyburn expressing our support of this project and requesting that they start to communicate and work together with a potential partner such as Enbridge. Below is a copy of the letter that was forwarded to the above-mentioned respective Councils.
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0088 WBPC_2025_30SEC_PROMO0088 WBPC_2025_30SEC_PROMO
- 0087 Lori Carr Coal Expansion0087 Lori Carr Coal Expansion
- 0086 Sask Gov Oil and Gas Incentive Programs0086 Sask Gov Oil and Gas Incentive Programs
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0084 EMP Metals Pipeline Online0084 EMP Metals Pipeline Online
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0076 Latus only0076 Latus only
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0055 Smart Power Be Smart with your Power office0055 Smart Power Be Smart with your Power office
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
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Subject: Support for the Proposed Enbridge 200-megawatt Wind Energy Project
Dear Members of RM of Weyburn Council, RM of Griffin Council, Weyburn City Council, and Enbridge representatives,
On behalf of Jerry Mainil Limited, I am writing to express our strong support for the proposed Enbridge, Seven Stars 200-megawatt wind energy project that is an incredible opportunity that would serve as a collaboration between RM of Weyburn, RM of Griffin, and City of Weyburn. This initiative represents a significant step forward in our shared commitment to economic growth, job creation, and regional development.
The development of a large-scale wind project offers numerous benefits for both urban and rural stakeholders. It fosters economic development by creating jobs, attracting businesses, and increasing local revenue streams. Additionally, it enhances infrastructure, improves long-term energy affordability, and strengthens our region’s position as a forward-thinking economic hub. Support in this 200-megawatt project will send a clear message to other businesses and investors that our region is committed to growth, innovation, and long-term economic sustainability.
A key component of this initiative is the opportunity to engage and collaborate with First Nations communities. Their involvement not only ensures that the project respects and incorporates traditional knowledge and land stewardship but also contributes to meaningful economic reconciliation. By fostering partnerships with First Nations, this project can create additional employment, training, and business opportunities for Indigenous communities, further strengthening the local workforce and economy.
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0088 WBPC_2025_30SEC_PROMO0088 WBPC_2025_30SEC_PROMO
- 0087 Lori Carr Coal Expansion0087 Lori Carr Coal Expansion
- 0086 Sask Gov Oil and Gas Incentive Programs0086 Sask Gov Oil and Gas Incentive Programs
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0084 EMP Metals Pipeline Online0084 EMP Metals Pipeline Online
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0076 Latus only0076 Latus only
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0055 Smart Power Be Smart with your Power office0055 Smart Power Be Smart with your Power office
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0011
- 0006 JK Junior
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
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For both the Rural Municipalities of Weyburn and Griffin, this project will generate significant economic opportunities, including construction and maintenance jobs, local business growth, and lease payments for landowners. The influx of workers and increased demand for goods and services will benefit local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and suppliers, stimulating further economic activity.
The City of Weyburn will benefit from a strengthened infrastructure, strengthened economic resilience, and the potential to attract new businesses that prioritize innovation in their operations. Companies looking to expand or relocate are often drawn to areas with strong infrastructure, a stable economic outlook, and progressive development projects. By demonstrating your support in this 200-megawatt wind project, we are positioning our region as a prime destination for businesses that seek a thriving and forward-looking community.
Additionally, this initiative will contribute to the overall economic competitiveness of our area by reducing long-term operational costs for businesses and fostering partnerships with industries that are committed to technological advancement. The project will also create opportunities for workforce training and skill development, equipping local workers with valuable expertise that can be applied in a variety of industries, further strengthening our labor market.
This partnership represents a win-win scenario, bridging urban and rural interests while reinforcing a forward-thinking development strategy. By supporting this initiative, we can collectively ensure a more prosperous future for our communities and set an example of collaboration that other regions can follow. The economic ripple effect of this project will have lasting benefits, making our region a more attractive and competitive place for businesses, investors, and families alike.
We strongly encourage the leadership of both the Rural Municipality of Weyburn and the Rural Municipality of Griffin as well as The City of Weyburn to start to demonstrate a sign of support and cooperation so that this transformational project can move forward. Let us seize this opportunity to work together in advancing a more economically vibrant future, fostering a thriving business environment, and securing long-term prosperity for our communities.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will bring to our region.
- 0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser0046 City of Estevan This is Estevan Teaser
- 0088 WBPC_2025_30SEC_PROMO0088 WBPC_2025_30SEC_PROMO
- 0087 Lori Carr Coal Expansion0087 Lori Carr Coal Expansion
- 0086 Sask Gov Oil and Gas Incentive Programs0086 Sask Gov Oil and Gas Incentive Programs
- 0085 Turnbull snow removal call office0085 Turnbull snow removal call office
- 0084 EMP Metals Pipeline Online0084 EMP Metals Pipeline Online
- 0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech0077 Caprice Resources Stand Up For Free Speech
- 0076 Latus only0076 Latus only
- 0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask0061 SIMSA 2024 For Sask Buy Sask
- 0055 Smart Power Be Smart with your Power office0055 Smart Power Be Smart with your Power office
- 0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly0051 JML Hiring Pumpjack assembly
- 0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar0049 Scotsburn Dental soft guitar
- 0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build0041 DEEP Since 2018 now we are going to build
- 0032 IWS Summer hiring rock trailer music
- 0022 Grimes winter hiring
- 0021 OSY Rentals S8 Promo
- 0018 IWS Hiring Royal Summer
- 0013 Panther Drilling PO ad 03 top drive rigs
- 0011
- 0006 JK Junior
- 0002 gilliss casing services0002 gilliss casing services
- 9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX9002 Pipeline Online 30 sec EBEX
- 9001